The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2 / Page 250 (Color Image)

0250	The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2

202 MARCO POLO BOOK II.

lambs, the flesh of which is eaten by the rich and the

great dignitaries.4

Those markets make a daily display of every kind of

vegetables and fruits ; and among the latter there are in

particular certain pears of enormous size, weighing as

much as ten pounds apiece, and the pulp of which is

white and fragrant like a confection ; besides peaches in

their season both yellow and white, of every delicate

flavour.5

Neither grapes nor wine are produced there, but very

good raisins are brought from abroad, and wine likewise.

The natives, however, do not much care about wine, being

used to that kind of their own made from rice and spices.

From the Ocean Sea also come daily supplies of fish in

great quantity, brought 25 miles up the river, and there

is also great store of fish from the lake, which is the

constant resort of fishermen, who have no other business.

Their fish is of sundry kinds, changing with the season ;

and, owing to the impurities of the city which pass into

the lake, it is remarkably fat and savoury. Any one

who should see the supply of fish in the market would

suppose it impossible that such a quantity could ever be

sold ; and yet in a few hours the whole shall be cleared

away ; so great is the number of inhabitants who are

accustomed to delicate living. Indeed they eat fish and

flesh at the same meal.

All the ten market places are encompassed by lofty

houses, and below these are shops where all sorts of

crafts are carried on, and all sorts of wares are on sale,

including spices and jewels and pearls. Some of these

shops are entirely devoted to the sale of wine made from

rice and spices, which is constantly made fresh and fresh,

and is sold very cheap.

Certain of the streets are occupied by the women of

the town, who are in such a number that I dare not say

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